WEBVTT

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- It happens to all of us

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and if it hasn't happened
to you, it eventually will.

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You receive a phone call, text,

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or email you weren't expecting,

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but the contents make you
pause and pay attention.

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The message you receive
makes your heart race

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or you might wonder if you're in trouble.

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The message seems urgent,
and wants your attention

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and action immediately.

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It seems bizarre, but the
message is convincing you

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that you should act and fast.

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You're not alone with
these types of messages.

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These are all common traits of scams.

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Scammers use common tactics
no matter what the scam is.

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Scams utilize common tactics
such as a sense of urgency.

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The message, whether email, text, or phone

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will convince you that you must
act and rectify a situation

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or take advantage of some benefit.

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With the sense of urgency,
tactics might also be used.

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This could include convincing you

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that something has happened to a loved one

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or that you must send money right away.

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The sender, a caller might request payment

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in unusual payment
methods such as gift cards

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or tell you that you've been overpaid

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for a product or service and
must return the extra amount.

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If you receive a phone call, text,

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or email with any of these
common trades, hang up, delete,

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or ignore the message altogether.

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Someone is trying to scam you.

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Remember, being informed

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and vigilant is the
best way to avoid scams.

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Stay safe and never give into
these fraudulent schemes.

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If you are the recipient of a scam attempt

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you can report it to the
Federal Trade Commission.

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Visit the TIAA Security
Center for more resources

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on how to protect yourself
and your accounts.